Costa Rica Entry Requirements: Passports and Visas

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances. The immigration officer determines your permitted stay on arrival; 180 days is not a universal entitlement.

The Costa Rica Tourism Board summarizes maximum stays as follows:

Nationality groupMaximum stay
FirstUp to 180 calendar days; non-extendable
SecondUp to 30 calendar days
Third and fourthUp to 30 calendar days; extendable subject to authorization

Check your current group and any visa requirement with Costa Rican immigration or a consulate before booking. Bring a valid, electronically readable passport, any required visa, evidence of sufficient funds and return or onward travel. Passport validity and health requirements depend on your circumstances.

Source checked September 25, 2026: Costa Rica Tourism Board: entry requirements. Follow its official immigration guidance and confirm conditions before departure.

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